“We’re looking for the excitement of the 458,” he told Autocar in a recent interview. “And we think the hybrid technology can help us achieve that.”

He also told the British publication that his team isn’t fixated on headline-grabbing power figures. Instead, “the qualities that you can’t write down, such as driver involvement and pleasure, are the ones that matter.”

With the new NSX scheduled to launch sometime in 2015, the development team is deep into the testing phase. Acura recently released teaser photos and a short video clip of a prototype lapping a racetrack, which provided a hint of how the mid-mounted V-6 will sound. As previously reported, the NSX’s hybrid powertrain will also include three electric motors, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive system.

Klaus also told Autocar that the NSX will be priced competitively with the Porsche 911, though he didn’t specify which variant. A base 911, for example, starts in the mid-$80,000 range, while a 911 Turbo S carries an MSRP above $180,000.